Greater Lexington Chamber honors businesses, introduces new President/CEO
February 22, 2016
The Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center honored five of its accomplished members and introduced new President & CEO Otis Rawl at its Chamber Awards Night Thursday at the Lexington Municipal Complex.
This annual ceremony, presented by Wells Fargo, allows Chamber members to nominate their fellow members to be recognized because of their outstanding and admirable leadership within the business community and the community at large.
“I would like to congratulate and thank the awards winners for their tireless efforts on behalf of the Lexington Chamber and our entire membership,” said Otis Rawl, President and CEO of the Greater Lexington Chamber. “Their efforts epitomize the spirit that Iives and breathes within our community. It leaves little to speculation why we have the quality of life we all share and the friendliness that makes Lexington our home.”
Marvin Robinson, VP, business relationship manager of Wells Fargo, Lexington and 2015-16 chair, agrees. “These awards acknowledge the accomplishments of our member companies and individuals. In addition, the contributions they make to the chamber and our community,” said Robinson. “I congratulate each and every one of them.”
Adam DeLoach, director of member relations and events at Golden Hills Golf & Country Club and owner of Palmetto Décor, LLC, received the Young Professional of the Year award. DeLoach is an active member of the Lexington community, serving as an ambassador for the Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center as well as a board member of Empowered Young Professionals. DeLoach earned his Bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of South Carolina.
Bodyshop Athletics, Inc. was named Small Business of the Year. Owner/President Chris Wooten has served as a member of the Presidential Security Detail and the President’s Council for Sports Fitness Counsel for Presidents Bush and Reagan. In the past three years, Bodyshop Athletics has grown from $500,000 to $1.2 million is gross sales and has expanded its facilities with a 10-acre athletic training complex.
Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative earned the Large Business of the Year award. The not-for-profit electric distribution utility company has been providing electricity to its members for 75 years. MCEC is the fifth largest electric cooperative in South Carolina. Since 1996, MCEC has contributed $4.2 million through RDA funds to help Lexington economic development projects.
Mike Anderson, real estate professional at Experienced Real Estate Group, was recognized for his volunteerism and advocacy for the Chamber with the Ambassador of the Year award. Anderson has worked in the real estate business for 8 years and is a long-time resident of Lexington County.
Dr. Ed Cerny, founder of corporate communications company Coach’s Corner, was honored with the coveted Mike Till Award. This award is given to an individual who best exemplifies the characteristics of Mike Till – friendliness, perseverance and dedication to the Lexington community. With his years of marketing experience in both the textile and fitness industries, Cerny has written four books and currently creates team building and leadership programs for both small and large companies.
The 2016 Chamber Awards Night is sponsored by Wells Fargo, Michelin North America, Lexington Medical Center, Palmetto Health, BB&T, AllSouth Federal Credit Union, First Community Bank, Walgreens, Security Federal Bank, South State Bank, TD Bank, Rep. Todd Atwater, NBSC, Comporium, Budget Blinds of Lexington and Palmetto Decor.
Dinner and drinks provided by Blue Marlin and Ed’s Bartending.
For information about future events hosted by the Chamber, including the 7th Annual Oyster Roast and St. Patrick’s Day Party, visit www.lexingtonsc.org.
About the Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center
The Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center strengthens and promotes economic prosperity, public policy, quality of life and workforce development in the greater Lexington community and MidState Chambers Coalition region. A nonprofit, 501 (c) 6 organization, the GLC&VC represents 1,000 businesses and more than 30,000 employees. To learn more about the benefits of becoming a Chamber member, visit www.lexingtonsc.org.
